Spirit Bear Mountain Bike Gran Fondo

Sunday, May 21, 2023 Past event

11:00 AM MDT

Kalispell, Montana

Free–$65.00 · 4 races

Ultra

Event summary

Join us for the exhilarating Spirit Bear Mountain Bike Gran Fondo in Kalispell, Flathead on Sunday, May 21, 2023! This thrilling event, now in its third year, offers mountain biking enthusiasts a chance to tackle an unforgettable course that will truly test their skills and endurance. Riders can choose between two challenging distances: a 24.5-mile route featuring approximately 3,800 feet of elevation gain, or the ultimate test of stamina with a grueling 52-mile option boasting a staggering 7,600 feet of elevation gain.

As the designated USA Cycling Gran Fondo State Championships for Montana, this race promises to be both competitive and fun, welcoming cyclists of all levels—from spandex-clad racers to laid-back trail riders. The event kicks off at Herron Park, where participants will enjoy a neutral start along the scenic Foys Canyon Road before diving into the stunning vistas of Patrick Creek Road. Spectacular single-track trails await as riders navigate their way back to Herron Park for a well-deserved lunch at the picnic pavilion. Plus, thanks to generous sponsorship, all juniors aged 17 and under can race for free! Don’t miss out on this fantastic biking event—register online today and prepare for a day filled

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Races

Spirit Bear Mountain Bike Gran Fondo- One Lap - Men and Women

Cash prizes ($50-1st, $30-2nd, $15-3rd) and medals for 1st thru 3rd places. SAME DAY REGISTRATION IS $10 MORE...PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE! On-site registration and number pick up is from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Mandatory pre-race meeting is at 8:30 AM.

11:00 AM MDT

$45.00

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Spirit Bear Mountain Bike Gran Fondo - Two Laps - Men and Women

$100 cash prize for 1st place, men and women. $50 for 2nd place, men and women, and $30 for 3rd place, men and women. Medals 1st thru 3rd. SAME DAY REGISTRATION IS $10 MORE...PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE! On-site registration and number pick up is from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Mandatory pre-race meeting is at 8:30 AM.

11:00 AM MDT

$65.00

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Spirit Bear Mountain Bike Gran Fondo - Juniors 17 & under - One Lap

Merchandise Prizes for 1st thru 3rd Our corporate sponsor, Parsons Tractor, has generously stepped up, once again, to cover all junior's race fees for this race! On-site registration and number pick up is from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Mandatory pre-race meeting is at 8:30 AM

11:00 AM MDT

Free

Entries closed
Spirit Bear Mountain Bike Gran Fondo - Juniors 17 & Under - Two Laps

Merchandise Prizes for 1st thru 3rd Our corporate sponsor, Parsons Tractor, has generously stepped up, once again, to cover all junior's race fees for this race! On-site registration and number pick up is from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Mandatory pre-race meeting is at 8:30 AM

11:00 AM MDT

Free

Entries closed

Organiser's description

The Spirit Bear Mountain Bike Gran Fondo returns for a third year! This course is going to test every riders legs as well as their trail riding abilities. We are going to offer two options for racers: 1 lap, or a grueling, down right brag-worthy 2 laps. 1 lap will provide racers 24.5 miles and approximately 3800 ft of elevation gain. 2 laps.well, it hurts to say it, but thats nearly 52 miles and 7600 ft elevation. The best part is all racers start together, so everyone will get the chance to bump elbows, or share some smiles, for the first lap. The goal of this race is to give spandex clad racers and baggy short trail riders alike a fun event that will provide a challenge for all who take it on.

State Championship: This year, the race will be the designated USA Cycling Gran Fondo State Championships for Montana. Medals will be awarded for first thru third place winners in each category.

NOTE: Due to the generous donation of our corporate sponsor, Parsons Tractor, ALL JUNIORS 17 and under HAVE THEIR RACE FEE PAID! Please register in the "Juniors" category. This goes for one or two loops.

The Race

The race starts at Herron Park. From there, we all roll out together in a neutral start for 2.25 miles along the paved Foys Canyon Road. The race then officially starts at the bottom of the sparsely populated Patrick Creek Road, where you will climb for 9.5 miles. This isnt your average gravel road climb though, as it provides great scenery as it traverses its way to Emmons Saddle. From there, saddle up and get ready for some epic single track, where you will ascend and descend your way back to Herron Park where racers do the classic Herron XC loop: Chase Trail down to Boundary Trail, along Overlook Trail and then finally down the Notch Trail into the lower Herron meadow. Here, 1 lappers can kick back while those brave souls doing two laps can refuel, question their life choices, and start on their journey to glory.

Lunch: There will be a lunch provided: Lunch will be served up at the picnic pavilion at Herron Park.

NOTE: SAME DAY REGISTRATION IS $10 MORE...PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE!